REMARKS BY U.S. AMBASSADOR SCOT MARCIEL DURING THE 242nd CELEBRATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
June 28, 2018
Minister U Kyaw Tin, Other Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests and Friends, thank you very much for joining us tonight as we celebrate our 242nd birthday as a nation, as well as the 71st anniversary of U.S.-Myanmar relations.
Enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, in our Constitution, and indeed in the very DNA of our nation is the belief in freedom and – as Thomas Jefferson wrote – certain unalienable rights – for all people. Our vision has always been to be a nation of freedom and equal rights. We have sometimes struggled and fallen short of that lofty goal, but it has always been fundamental to who we are as a nation.
Knowing that the desire for freedom and basic human rights is a universal aspiration, we have long worked to support those around the world who were championing the cause of liberty and human dignity. Nowhere has that been more true than here in Myanmar, where for decades the people of America have admired, respected and supported the courage and dedication of so many people who have sacrificed enormously for the cause of freedom and democracy.
The American people have warmly welcomed and applauded the advances that the Myanmar people have achieved in recent years. We know progress has not been easy, that there have been painful setbacks, and that there is a long way to go. We know it because we see it. We sympathize because we too have experienced both progress and setbacks in our own journey.
Every day, we see and meet people throughout your country who are working tirelessly and courageously to advance the goal of greater freedom, democracy, peace and prosperity for all the inhabitants of this wonderful nation. These people inspire us, and they continue to have the admiration and support of the American people.
This past year has been challenging in many ways, but through it all we have worked continuously to build and strengthen the bonds between the people of America and the people of Myanmar. Tonight, as we celebrate our 242nd anniversary as a nation and our 71th anniversary of diplomatic relations, let us also celebrate those special bonds between our people. Thank you.
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